The Nepal government in a late-night decision lifted the ban on social media apps after protests, led by Gen Z, turned violent, resulting in clashes with the police that led to the death of 19 people.
Nepal Minister for Communication, Information and Broadcasting Prithvi Subba Gurung announced that the government has withdrawn its earlier decision to ban social media sites.
“The government has already decided to open social media by addressing the demand of Gen-Z,” said the minister, following an emergency cabinet meeting.
However, Mr Gurung also stated that the government does not regret its earlier decision to shut the social media platforms down.
“Since protests were being staged using this issue as a pretext, the decision has been taken to reopen social media sites,” he said.
Mr Gurung also requested the ‘Gen Z’ group to call off their protest.
The cabinet also formed an investigation committee to look into the day’s violence. It has been given 15 days’ time to prepare a report.
Meanwhile, Bollywood actress Manisha Koirala has spoken out strongly against the violent police crackdown on young demonstrators in Nepal. Taking to Instagram, the actress shared a poignant photograph of a blood-soaked shoe alongside a hard-hitting message on the crisis that has shaken the nation.
Manisha Koirala took to her Instagram handle and wrote, “आजको दिन नेपालका लागि कालो दिन हो – जब जनताको आवाज, भ्रष्टाचारविरुद्धको आक्रोश र न्यायको मागलाई गोलीले जवाफ दिइयो।(Today is a black day for Nepal – when bullets respond to the voice of the people, outrage against corruption and demand for justice.)”
